Givens signs with the University of Akron
By Steve Diffey
Sports Information Director
Holmes Community College
Holmes Community College sophomore cornerback Kris Givens of Ridgeland announced recently that he will continue his football career next season with the University of Akron Zips in the Mid-American Conference.
At Holmes, Givens pulled down 10 interceptions and broke up 16 other passes in the Bulldogs' defensive backfield and was named Second Team All-State both seasons and was named an All-Star after last season. In 2013, Givens had 39 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss for five yards, one forced fumble, one recovered fumble, four interceptions for 43 yards and three pass breakups while his freshman year he had 35 tackles, three recovered fumbles, six interceptions for 97 yards and 13 pass breakups.
Givens said he had five or six offers but Akron really stepped it up the recruiting process after the MACJC All-Star game. "The following week I visited and decided to go to Akron," Givens said. "The facilities are beautiful. They have a new stadium as well, one of the best in the Mid-American Conference.
"When I was walking around I was looking around in astonishment," he added. "The coaches played a large role in my decision and playing time."
Former Auburn Head Coach Terry Bowden is the Zips head coach and former Green Bay and New England standout Terrell Buckley is the cornerbacks coach.
"I'll be working with some legendary coaches like Coach Buckley and Coach Bowden," Givens said. "I think I can learn a lot from them. I really connected with the coaches. When he (Buckley) came to my house I connected with him automatically. It was crazy. The way he played his position reminded me of myself. We have the same values. I believe I can learn a lot from him. He's (Bowden) like a father figure. I just connected with everybody."
Givens said he is very pleased with his decision to come to Holmes for his first two years of school. "I believe it was a blessing coming in doing what I did," Givens said. "It shocked a lot of people and myself a little bit. I believe I had a great career there, and hopefully it'll transfer to the Division I level.
"My ability didn't surprise me but the numbers I was able to put up did. I never had six interceptions in one year especially in the number of games we played. It did what it was supposed to do. I came to get more developed and learned a lot while I was there. I'll miss all the fellowship with my teammates. It was a good time."
Givens said he's ready to play in front of 50,000 or more each Saturday including road games at Marshall, Pittsburgh and Penn State next season for the Zips. "It's going to be huge," Givens said. "It's like going from high school to juco and going up to another level. I believe I'll be able to adjust to that."
Givens' brother Karlin played football for Holmes during 2006 and 2007 before transferring to University of New Mexico, and he knew at that point he wanted the same opportunity at Division I football.
"Kenny Burton (Head Coach at Ridgeland High School) told me if I stayed with him that he saw something in me that would allow me to play Division I football. It made me push harder and finally get to my goal."
Givens said Karlin had a chance to play past New Mexico but didn't take it. He's currently a policeman with the Madison Police Department.
He takes to Akron an impressive GPA and was named to the president's list following the Fall semester at Holmes.